Training and support roles for health professionals

Thursday 13 April, 2017

The Living with Cancer Education Program helps people make sense of cancer in a safe and informal environment. In 2016, over 580 people attended programs facilitated by local health professionals and gained the opportunity to connect with others in similar circumstances. Two-day training for new facilitators is being held on 1-2 June 2017.

Health professionals working in cancer, including oncology, radiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work and allied health, are well positioned to bring together people with similar informational and emotional needs following a cancer diagnosis.

Cancer Council Victoria's two-day facilitator training course enables health professionals to confidently deliver the Living with Cancer Education Program within their health service to address the supportive care needs of their patients. All facilitators have access to an online resource portal and are supported by Cancer Council Victoria in program promotion and delivery in their workplace.

A recent program run in Horsham, facilitated by prostate cancer nurse Gay Corbett from Ballarat Health Services, was instrumental in encouraging participants to form a cancer support group under the guidance of Cancer Council Victoria (pictured).

The two-day training course will provide facilitators with:

skills, tools and resources to deliver, evaluate and coordinate the program with confidence

A cancer diagnosis can create challenges to your ability to work. Workplaces are often unsure of how to create a fair and supportive workplace, and employees are often unsure of their rights and responsibilities.

Find out more about our free, confidential counselling with medical specialists trained in intimacy, body image, sexual confidence and relationships. Available to all those facing cancer and their partners, including members of the LGBTQI community.